Reese’s Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Earthquake Cake Recipe
If you have a sweet tooth and an irrepressible love for the combination of chocolate and peanut butter, then the Reese’s Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Earthquake Cake is destined to become your new obsession. This showstopping dessert takes all the beloved flavors of classic Reese’s cups and swirls them into a rich, gooey, chocolaty cake with ribbons of peanut butter cream cheese and molten pockets of chocolate chips, crowned with even more Reese’s. It’s the kind of treat that commands attention at any gathering and guarantees you’ll never have leftovers to worry about!
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this cake irresistible is how everyday staples come together to create something magical. Each ingredient is perfectly chosen for flavor and texture, so don’t skip a single one. Ready? Let’s make sure your pantry is stocked before we dive in!
- Dark chocolate fudge cake mix: Delivers a deep, fudgy base that’s sturdy enough to hold all the fillings and toppings.
- Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): Brings a tangy, creamy swirl to offset the richness and adds irresistible texture.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Gives smoothness and richness to the cream cheese filling.
- Creamy peanut butter (1/2 cup): Creates velvety ribbons of sweet, nutty goodness throughout the cake.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Adds warmth and rounds out the flavors with cozy depth.
- Powdered sugar (4 cups): Sweetens the peanut butter filling and guarantees silky-smooth texture.
- Chocolate chips (1/2 cup): Melt into little chocolatey surprises in every bite.
- Miniature Reese’s peanut butter cups (1 cup, halved): Pops of pure peanut butter-chocolate bliss, both inside and on top!
- Vanilla ice cream (for serving): Optional but highly recommended to add a cool, creamy contrast.
How to Make Reese’s Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Earthquake Cake
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Before you get started, crank your oven up to 350°F (175°C). Give your 9×13-inch baking dish a generous coating of cooking spray or a slick of butter. This crucial step ensures your Reese’s Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Earthquake Cake releases beautifully with all those gooey layers intact.
Step 2: Prepare the Cake Batter
Grab your largest mixing bowl and get your store-bought dark chocolate fudge cake mix ready. Prepare it just as the box tells you (usually with oil, eggs, and water) and whisk until you have a pool of shiny, lump-free batter. This rich base is the canvas for all the decadent fillings to come, so make sure it’s smooth and even when you pour it into your greased baking dish.
Step 3: Make the Peanut Butter Cream Cheese Frosting
In another bowl, beat softened cream cheese, butter, peanut butter, and vanilla extract together until the mixture is gorgeously creamy and unified. Slowly sprinkle in the powdered sugar, mixing as you go, until you have a thick, silky peanut butter frosting. This is the secret swirl in your Reese’s Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Earthquake Cake that makes every bite spectacular.
Step 4: Assemble the Cake
Dollop generous spoonfuls of your peanut butter cream cheese frosting onto the cake batter in the baking dish, then gently spread (don’t worry about being perfect—some rustic swirls are what give this cake its “earthquake” magic). Sprinkle the entire surface with chocolate chips and those adorable halved Reese’s peanut butter cups, lightly pressing them into the surface. Looks incredible already, doesn’t it?
Step 5: Bake the Cake
Pop the assembled cake into your preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. Keep a close eye on it as the aroma starts tempting everyone nearby. You’ll know the Reese’s Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Earthquake Cake is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs—don’t wait for it to be totally clean so the cake stays gloriously gooey.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Once baked, transfer the dish to a wire rack and let the cake cool completely. (If you can wait that long!) Cooling helps those luscious swirls set just enough for perfect slicing. Right before serving, cut hearty squares and, for ultimate indulgence, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream to each plate. That cool, creamy contrast is pure dessert heaven.
How to Serve Reese’s Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Earthquake Cake
Garnishes
Take your Reese’s Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Earthquake Cake completely over the top with toppings! Sprinkle a few extra chopped Reese’s cups, a handful of chocolate shavings, or a drizzle of melted peanut butter or chocolate sauce just before serving. A dusting of powdered sugar is always pretty and adds a snowy finish.
Side Dishes
This cake is the star of any table, but it’s dazzling alongside a scoop of vanilla or peanut butter ice cream. Cold milk, freshly brewed coffee, or even a shot of espresso perfectly balance the decadence and let all those peanut butter and chocolate notes shine through.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not go big? Turn this cake into a showpiece by serving it on a pedestal cake stand and letting those chocolate chips and Reese’s cups spill from the top. Or, for parties, slice it into bite-sized bars and arrange on a tray for a fun, grab-and-go dessert. It also makes an unexpected (but adored) birthday cake for the chocolate-peanut butter lover in your life!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any extra Reese’s Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Earthquake Cake tightly covered, either in the baking dish with plastic wrap or in an airtight container. It’ll keep happily at room temperature for a day, but for longer freshness, refrigerate for up to 5 days. The flavors actually intensify over time, making leftovers truly irresistible!
Freezing
Need to prep ahead? Cool the cake completely, then cut into squares and layer them with parchment in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. When the craving hits, just let the slices thaw at room temperature, and enjoy an earthquake of flavor any time.
Reheating
For that fresh-from-the-oven magic, warm individual pieces of Reese’s Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Earthquake Cake in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or pop larger portions in a 300°F oven for a few minutes. You want it just heated through, so all those chocolate chips and peanut butter get dreamy and gooey again.
FAQs
Can I use milk chocolate cake mix instead of dark chocolate?
Absolutely! While dark chocolate gives a deep, rich backdrop, milk chocolate cake mix will make the Reese’s Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Earthquake Cake a touch sweeter and lighter. Just use your favorite—both versions are irresistible.
What’s the best way to cut clean slices?
For neat squares, let the cake cool fully and use a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts. If you want extra precision, refrigerate the cooled cake for 30 minutes before slicing. The swirls will look beautiful in every piece!
Can I use reduced-fat cream cheese?
Yes, you can swap in reduced-fat cream cheese if you prefer, though the filling may be slightly less rich and creamy. The flavor of the Reese’s Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Earthquake Cake will still deliver that luscious, peanut butter-loaded experience.
How do I make the cake gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use your favorite gluten-free chocolate cake mix in place of the standard box. Double-check all your other ingredients to ensure they’re certified gluten-free for a dessert anyone can enjoy.
Do I need to use miniature Reese’s cups, or can I chop up regular-sized ones?
Miniature Reese’s cups are ideal for scattering across the top, but you can absolutely chop up regular-size Reese’s for big, gooey pockets of peanut butter and chocolate. Whichever you pick, your Reese’s Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Earthquake Cake will wow everyone lucky enough to snag a piece!
Final Thoughts
Once you’ve tried this showstopper, you’ll find yourself coming up with any excuse to make Reese’s Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Earthquake Cake again. It’s the ultimate celebration of everything chocolate and peanut butter, and memories are made with every rich, gooey, decadent bite. Give it a try soon, and watch it disappear before your eyes!
Print
Reese’s Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Earthquake Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the decadent delight of this Reese’s Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Earthquake Cake. A rich chocolate fudge cake base topped with a luscious layer of peanut butter cream cheese frosting, chocolate chips, and mini Reese’s cups, this dessert is a true showstopper that will satisfy all your sweet cravings.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 box dark chocolate fudge cake mix
For the Peanut Butter Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup miniature Reese’s peanut butter cups, halved
- Vanilla ice cream, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
- Prepare the Cake Batter: In a large bowl, prepare the chocolate cake mix according to package instructions. Pour the batter into the greased baking dish and spread evenly.
- Make the Peanut Butter Cream Cheese Frosting: In another bowl, beat cream cheese, butter, peanut butter, and vanilla until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing until thick and creamy.
- Assemble the Cake: Spread the frosting over the cake batter. Sprinkle with chocolate chips and halved Reese’s, pressing them gently into the frosting.
- Bake the Cake: Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool completely on a wire rack before serving.
Notes
- For added indulgence, drizzle with melted chocolate or caramel sauce before serving.
- This cake pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 45g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 61g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: Reese’s, Chocolate, Peanut Butter, Cake, Dessert, Easy Recipe
